§ 44. Mr. Goughasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the proposed Horsham by-pass road provides for a roundabout at the A.281 crossing of approximately 620 feet in length and 435 feet in breadth; and how many other roundabouts of this size or larger are at present in use in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. MarplesThe plans for the bypass submitted to me by the West Sussex County Council, which is the highway authority, provide for such a roundabout.
The line of the by-pass and the land required for its construction were the subject of a public inquiry on 21st March. I cannot yet say whether the county council's plans will be approved.
There is one other roundabout of comparable size already in use; several are projected.
§ Mr. GoughWhilst appreciating that a public inquiry has taken place, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he thinks that the fifteen acres which will be taken up will provide a really modern solution? Will he please press for consideration of a road that will stall be up-to-date in about ten years' time?
§ Mr. MarplesThe reason why the roundabout is so large is that it is in line with our policy which I stated on 7th June, 1961, of providing
flyovers in place of roundabouts at major traffic intersections where this is practicable and the volume of traffic justifies the additional cost. Some roundabouts will, however, continue to be built where they offer the most suitable form of junction. In appropriate cases new roundabouts are so designed as to permit conversion to a grade-separated junction should this become necessary later."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 7th June, 1961; Vol. 641, c. 91.]That is the reason for what my hon. Friend thinks is excessive use of land.